Wine festival donors meet kids they help

The Naples Winter Wine Festival is underway and is expected to raise several million dollars for local children's charities. On Friday, some of the children who benefit from the fundraiser got a chance to meet and thank the donors.

"I was so thankful that Ms. Jamie was there for me to talk to when I felt alone, scared, and confused about what was happening to my family," said one of the kids.

Thanks to money raised through the Naples Winter Wine Festival, children like Dulce have a place to turn.

For her it was the Shelter for Abused Women & Children.

For the kids at the Boys and Girls Club of Collier County, it's a safe and fun place to go after school.

"Without them we couldn't have anything we have at Boys and Girls Club. We would just sit in the classroom doing nothing."

For the donors, the day was about meeting the kids impacted year round through the dozens of different charities supported by their donations.

"They have set up small organizations that are bringing in children from the community and that have changed their lives," said Prince Robert of Luxembourg.

"I found it very moving and very touching, great to see such a broad range of services that this Wine Festival is funding, from autism to after school care, vision care, dental, education," said donor Karen Smith.

All from an event that's about more than just wine. It's about magic and making wishes come true.

"It's fun going to the dinners, it's great drinking the wine, but the real impact is giving the money to the community and these charities," said founding trustee Scott Lutgert.

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